Bhagavad Gita 4.23

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 23: Understanding True Renunciation

Sanskrit Verse:

गत्यत्वायचसंन्यासी यस्तु कर्मणि न तत्परः।
निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः॥ ४.२३॥

Transliteration:

Gatyatvāya ca sannyāsī yastu karmaṇi na tatparaḥ,
nirāśīryata-chittātmā tyakta-sarva-parigrahaḥ.

Translation:

"He who is without desire, whose mind and self are disciplined, and who has renounced all sense of possession, even while performing actions, is not bound by them."

" जो व्यक्ति कामना रहित है, जिसका मन और आत्मा संयमित है, तथा जिसने समस्त परिग्रह की भावना का त्याग कर दिया है, वह कर्म करते हुए भी उनसे नहीं बँधता। "

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Explaining Bhagavad Gita 4.23

This verse comes from Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita, which focuses on the Path of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action (Jñāna-Karma-Sannyāsa Yoga). Here, Lord Krishna describes the nature of one who has attained true renunciation and acts with detachment.

Key Teachings from This Verse

1. Freedom from Desire (Nirāśīḥ - निराशिः)

   • A person who performs actions without longing for results remains unaffected by karma.
   • Such a person engages in duties selflessly, seeking neither reward nor recognition.

2. Mastery Over Mind and Self (Yata-Chitta-Ātmā - यतचित्तात्मा)

   • One must control their mind and emotions to attain inner peace.
   • This helps in performing actions as a service (seva) rather than out of personal ambition.

3. Renunciation of Possessiveness (Tyakta-Sarva-Parigrahaḥ - त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः)

   • Attachment to material possessions and outcomes leads to bondage.
   • By letting go of possessiveness, one attains liberation (moksha) even while living in the world.

4. Action Without Attachment

• The Bhagavad Gita does not advocate abandoning work but rather performing it with detachment.
• A truly enlightened person works for the greater good, not for personal gains.

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Modern Relevance of This Verse

• Work Without Stress: Instead of worrying about rewards, focus on giving your best effort.
• Minimalism and Simplicity: Detachment from excessive possessions leads to a peaceful life.
• Self-Mastery: Controlling desires and emotions helps in personal and professional success.
• Karma Yoga: Performing duties as a selfless service leads to inner fulfillment.

In essence, Bhagavad Gita 4.23 teaches us how to live in the world without being controlled by it. True renunciation is not about avoiding responsibilities but about embracing them with a pure heart and a detached mind.